What is Lanolin?
Lanolin is derived from the oil extracted from sheep's wool.
Wool is waterproof and odor-resistant thanks to oils that are naturally secreted by sheep. These oils are extracted when the sheep are sheared, refined, and used as ingredients in cosmetics.
It is a yellow wax-like substance with high moisturizing power. It also has an excellent emollient effect that prevents moisture loss in the skin. It locks in moisture in the skin, making it an ideal ingredient, especially during the dry autumn and winter months.
Since it is derived from sheep and wool, it is not used in vegan cosmetics .
Lanolin is effective for dry skin
Cracked, rough, dry skin. Lanolin's high moisturizing power is said to be effective in treating common dry skin problems. In addition, it has a light texture and supports the skin barrier . It doesn't feel heavy on the skin, so it is sometimes used in baby skin care products .
It creates an oily veil over the skin, locking in moisture and softening the skin at the same time. For this reason, it is included in the following skin care products:
- Face cream
- Lip balm
- Hand cream
- Body cream
- Baby lotion/baby oil
- Cleansing oil
It's also often included in products applied to areas prone to dryness and cracking, like the lips and nipples of nursing mothers, and is also used in hair care products to naturally moisturize hair and scalp.
Lanolin allergy risk
Lanolin is attractive for its high moisturizing power and emollient effect, but in fact, it has been pointed out that it poses an allergic risk. In the United States, it was even selected as the " Allergy Ingredient of the Year 2023 " due to the increasing number of patients.
Lanolin has been considered to have a low risk of allergies, which is why it is used in many cosmetics in Japan.
Another reason for its increased use may be that it has been advertised as a "safe" alternative to petroleum-derived petrolatum and mineral oil .
But the truth is, lanolin allergies have been around for decades.
Lanolin is especially prone to cause dermatitis in people with skin conditions such as rashes, eczema, and atopic dermatitis. Even people with healthy skin can experience skin problems when they come into contact with lanolin.
Symptoms of allergies
If you have an allergic reaction to lanolin, you may experience the following symptoms:
Allergic contact dermatitis
A skin hypersensitivity reaction that occurs 48 to 72 hours after exposure to lanolin. An allergic reaction may occur suddenly and unexpectedly even if you have previously had no problems.
In addition, if your skin becomes sensitized through continued use, even a small amount may cause an allergic reaction every time it is applied.
Irritant contact dermatitis
It occurs immediately after the skin comes into contact with an ingredient that is irritating. The causative substance irritates the skin, and when the skin succumbs to the irritation, a rash, redness, and itching occur.
Anyone can develop the disease, regardless of whether they have skin sensitization or not.
Ingredients to watch out for to avoid allergic reactions
Lanolin is not only used as a single ingredient. It is used as a cosmetic ingredient in a variety of forms, including:
- Lanolin
- Lanolin alcohol
- Liquid lanolin
- Hydrogenated Lanolin
- Hydroxylanolin
- Lanolin Acetate
There are also cosmetic ingredients that are bonded with PEG (polyethylene glycol) , such as PEG-100 lanolin.
If you want to avoid lanolin allergies or skin irritation, make sure it doesn't contain these ingredients.
Useful information is being distributed via LINE
CONCIO Academy's LINE account provides tips for choosing better cosmetics. Please use it to make truly kind choices for yourself and your loved ones . Register here → https://lin.ee/jAkRPAs
"CONCIO" - A company that thoroughly researches the risks of cosmetic ingredients
CONCIO is the first additive-free skin care product in Japan to receive EWG certification, meeting new standards.
Focusing on the risk of skin irritation and allergies caused by cosmetic ingredients, we have implemented our own safety standards by not using 2,500 ingredients, providing global standards of safety to Japanese sensitive skin.
*This does not guarantee that skin irritation or allergies will not occur in all people.
